Starting high school
This is a guide for parents and carers who want to enrol their child in a public high school in NSW. It provides information on selecting a school, enrolling your child and getting financial support.
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High school begins in year 7 and goes to year 12
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Public school education is free, but most schools request voluntary contributions to help cover costs
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The school year begins late January to early February. It has 4 terms and generally finishes around the middle of December. You can find school term and vacation dates at the NSW Department of Education.
High schools are different from primary schools:
- classes are organised differently
- there are more core and elective subjects
- they can be larger in size
- students have more personal responsibility
Preparing for high school
Getting ready to send your child to high school involves:
- understanding catchment zones and how to choose a school
- enrolling your child in school
- knowing how to enrol your child outside your catchment zone, if desired
- being aware of the immunisation requirements
- planning ahead and knowing what to do if your child has a disability or additional needs
Once enrolled, you may also want to:
- prepare your child for the transition to high school
- establish homework routines
- become part of the school community
- understand what financial support is available
- get support for you and your child